The line-up of people snaked its way from the doors of The Snakepit all the way right across the stadium car park almost as far as it could go. If you wanted any proof the new-look Illawarra Hawks were going to be the hottest ticket in town, look no more. The Hawks' first pre-season game of the 2019-20 National Basketball League against the Australian Indigenous All-Stars was sold out days in advance. Read more: LaMelo impresses as Illawarra Hawks overpower Indigenous All-Stars A lot would have been there to witness what was a fantastic game and celebration of culture, yet an awful lot of people were there to get their first glimpe at the Hawks and teenage American superstar LaMelo Ball. Among the crowd was star athlete Anthyony Mundine and Hawks' No. 1 ticket holder, former Hawk and MND researcher Professor Justin Yerbury.

The Illawarra Hawks and the Australian Indigenous All-Stars together for the game's welcome to country. Pictures: Anna Warr.

A lot would have been there to witness what was a fantastic game and celebration of culture, yet an awful lot of people were there to get their first glimpe at the Hawks and teenage American superstar LaMelo Ball.